The latest version of the stage block is the digital snake. Instead of lots of XLR cables coming in and out of the snake, only one or two RJ45 cables are required to connect a digital snake to a digital mixer. The digital mixer then coverts all of the incoming XLR signals to the Ethernet cables. This means you no longer need really thick cables running from the stage to your mixer and the signal is much cleaner as well. Some digital snakes also have USB inputs so that you can use them to record channels, play music or for MIDI connections. Many digital snakes can be placed in a 19-inch rack so that they can easily be used at the side of the stage.
